Perhaps that was regretable, kat, but here is the point. In many of the actions that I have been involved with on behalf of Gay and Lesbian issues, it is not unusual for the gay activists to come "in drag" for lack of a better term, or to be very suggestive about their sexuality. I understand completely the statement being made, but it is a bit much to ask a religious organization, whose membership is made up of a large number of pre baby boom Catholic men, to accept any actions of that type in a parade that honors the Patron Saint of Ireland. Had I been involved with the negotiations, I would have sought middle ground, by appealling to the AOH on the basis of Christ's unflinching acceptance of all who sought his love. And I would have appealled to ILGO to mind the appropriate decorum for the event, and let their presence make the statement. I believe all parties could have reached resolution had the neck not been bowed so quickly on the part of the AOH, and had ILGO not decided on confrontation instead of negotiation.

I apologize for the use of the term flaunt. I should not write when I am tired and a bit edgy over current items in my life.

Mick